Dreamtime Author Spotlight

I'm being featured in Moondancer Drake's Dreamtime Author Spotlight. If you'd like to learn a little more about me and my recent and upcoming releases, check it out here!

Natasha

Seasons of Seduction IV!

Seasons of Seduction IV is now available from Ellora's Cave. There's a great selection of sexy stories to satisfy your every desire. My story Taste of Honey, about a rough cowboy and a polished lady, is included in this anthology.

Taste of Honey started as a project for a workshop for my local RWA chapter, Western New York Romance Writers. We only had to write one page, but my cowboy, Jake, got under my skin and I had to tell his story.

Here's a little excerpt to tempt you:

“How about a dance, cowboy?”
The come-on in that silky voice would tempt a saint, and God knew Jake Manning wasn’t hittin’ the Pearly Gates anytime soon. When the scent of expensive perfume drifted over the stink of beer, whiskey and stale smoke, his body stirred against his will. He’d ducked in here to nurse a draft and a heart that had been stomped into a million pieces. The last thing he needed was a sweet-smellin’ woman.
But he couldn’t stop from lifting his gaze off the condensation on his mug, and glancing over his shoulder. Sleek blonde hair. An even sleeker body molded by a tight fitting tank top and painted-on jeans. The damn high-heeled boots she wore probably cost more than he made in a month. He turned away and chugged his beer, hoping to rinse away the bitter taste of lessons learned the hard way.
The band slid from an upbeat twang to a slow drawl, bringing a few couples out onto the dance floor. Jake pushed away the image of that high-class body pressed up against his. He sure as hell didn’t need that.
She placed her hand on his shoulder and it sizzled like a branding iron. “Dance with me.” Her breath brushed his neck as she tempted him again.
He shifted on the barstool to glare at her. “Lady, why are you pickin’ on me?”
Her smoky gray eyes raked over him, starting with his beat up cowboy hat and heating him all the way down his faded Wranglers to his scuffed-up boots. Her slick red lips slowly spread into a smile. “You look like you’d be a good dancer.”
Dancer? Did she think he was some wet-behind-the-ears cowpoke? Jake shook his head. “Find some other sucker.”
“Come on,” she said in a voice as slow and sweet as the honey his mama liked to put in her tea. Her hand slid off his shoulder and stroked its way down his arm until she laced her fingers with his. “It’s just one dance.”
Aw hell. Jake pushed back his Stetson as he stepped off the barstool and then followed her onto the dance floor. He’d never been able to resist a taste of honey.

If you'd like to check out Taste of Honey and the other stories in Seasons of Seduction IV, come over here.
Natasha

Seasons of Seduction IV - December 22!

I'm so excited! My first sale to Ellora's Cave (but actually my second release)Taste of Honey, is part of their annual Cavemen anthologies and will be included in Season of Seduction IV which releases this Saturday, December 22nd! I'm in great company with some incredible authors! This volume will be available in both download and print, so while you're resting between wrapping packages and baking cookies, or if you just want a little heat for your Christmas, check out Seasons of Seduction IV!!

Here's a blurb for Taste of Honey:
Cowboy Jake Manning is nursing a beer and a heart that’s been stomped into a million pieces when classy Shauna Montgomery asks him to dance. Jake knows better than to get involved with another sweet-smellin’ woman, but what the hell, it’s just a dance.

Shaunna had been planning a little revenge against the boyfriend who dumped her but the steamy dance floor seduction leaves both her and Jake hot and hurting. They end up at Jake’s place for a lesson in power, control and passion. But can they get past their differences and learn to trust again?

Come on! You know you want to read it! Check back here on Saturday for the buy link or just go to Ellora's Cave!

Natasha

Red Sage Contest

Red Sage has started a new blog and a newsletter. Hop on over to Red Sage Revealed and enter the contest for a free download! Sign up for the free newsletter Red Sage Confidential. Gotta love free stuff at Christmas time!

Natasha

Santa Baby

Today's post is at Passionate Ink. Don't you love Eartha Kitt singing "Santa Baby"?

Natasha

Newsletter Contest

With my first couple releases out and more coming this month and in Feb, I decided it was time to start at newsletter so I can keep everyone informed - and have some fun along the way.

So I'm having a contest and inviting everyone interested to sign up for my yahoo group. I don't expect heavy traffic here - probably not more than once a month (if that) At the end of the week, I'll pick a name and the winner will get their choice of a download of one of my current releases!

Just go here to join in the fun!

natashamoore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Natasha
Romance with more...sizzle
www.natashamoore.com

The Ride of Her Life is a Recommend Read!!

The Ride of Her Life is garnering some great reviews! Missy from Fallen Angels Review gave Sarah and Dean's story 5 Angels and a Recommended Read!! Wow! You can check out the review here.

To read an excerpt and/or buy The Ride of Her Life, click here.

Natasha

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Today's blog is over at the Samhain blog. Stop by and leave a comment on your favorite song of the season.

Natasha

Another Great Review for Nothing to Fear

Wow. I got another great review for my Ellora's Cave Quickie, NOTHING TO FEAR! Lindy from Two Lips Reviews gave a great summary of the story and I'm so pleased she enjoyed it. She said, "Nothing to Fear gives readers a healthy dose of super hot lovin' with a great build up, an easy flow, a nice quick pace and a great feeling of anticipation.

You can check out the entire review here.

If you'd like to check out an excerpt, or buy Kelly and Mason's story, click here.

Natasha

Another Great Review...

for The Ride of Her Life!! Whoo Hoo! Sheryl, from Sensual Ecataromance gave it a 4.5!

"Ms. Moore has penned a great story of finding love and romance when you least expect it with a person you could spend the rest of your life with..."

Read the entire review here.

I'm so thrilled that people are reading and loving Sarah and Dean's story. If you'd like to check out an excerpt or buy The Ride of Her Life, check it out here.

Giving Thanks

Here in the US, we pause on the 4th Thursday in November to celebrate Thanksgiving. It may be a rememberance of the first winter the Pilgrims weathered and the feast they enjoyed. It's also a day to pig out - I love any excuse to eat :) But I also like to use Thanksgiving Day to remind myself of all the things I'm thankful for - today, and all through the year.

I'm thankful for my family. For my loving, supportive husband and terrific kids. For our new house that is starting to feel like home.

For all my friends in the writing community (my RWA chaptermates, the Romance Divas, Desirables, and cps), I treasure your friendship, inspiration and support.

For three publishers, Samhain, Ellora's Cave and Red Sage, who took a chance on a new author. For my editors, Laurie, Bree, and Felecia, who help make my stories the best they can be.

And for the readers who have started buying my books! I love you!!

If you get a chance to stop by during this busy day, please leave a comment on what you're thankful for this year, whether you're in the US or not. Or at least stop a moment and remember what you have to be thankful for.

Natasha

Are You a Good Girl??

Today's post is at Passionate Prose. Stop by and let me know...were you a good girl in school? Are you still a good girl? Or were you one of those girls who didn't feel guilty skipping school or letting your hair down?? Guess which one I was??

Natasha

I'm a Best-Selling Author!!

Today I checked out My Bookstore and More, Samhain Publishing's on-line bookstore and what do you think I saw??? THE RIDE OF HER LIFE was one of the top ten bestselling titles!! OMG! That means people are really buying my book! I'm so thrilled! I hope everyone loves Sarah and Dean's story as much as I do!

If you'd like to join Sarah on The Ride of Her Life, you can check out an excerpt or buy a copy here.

Natasha

Cover for Quinn's Curse!

My first release from Red Sage, my first paranormal romance ever, will be available for download at eRed Sage in February 2008. Here's the blurb:

Cursed to wander Logan Point for three hundred years, lusty pirate, Nathaniel Quinn must resist the call of the sea. When young widow, Miranda Kent buys the lighthouse, Quinn’s passion is aroused. No one said anything about resisting a beautiful woman. But when unexpected emotions pull at the doomed lovers, can Quinn look beyond himself and his desires to save the woman he loves?

The cover was just approved. Isn't it great? I love all the little details. Can you see the lighthouse and the rocky coast? Not to mention the hunk! It's perfect.

Mark your calendar now for February! I can't wait for you to be able to read it!

Natasha

The Ride of Her Life Available Now!

Today, my contemporary romance THE RIDE OF HER LIFE is available for download from Samhain Publishing! I'm so excited! I've blogged about it today on the Samhain weblog. Check it out here.

Here's a little exerpt to tease you:

She took the chance in the silence that followed to study him close up. His was a strong profile. The good-looking boy she remembered had turned into a handsome man. His face wasn’t smooth—it sported a few laugh lines and frown lines, probably from riding in the sun a lot. But it was all the more attractive because it was the face of a man who lived. A man who laughed and frowned, who flew down the highway in the sunshine and made her body long for his touch.
The sound of his deep breathing washed over her. What did it mean that her own breathing fell into rhythm with his? Was his heart pounding as hard as hers? Was his body also on fire with need?
When she couldn’t ignore the desire burning within her any longer, she placed her bottle on the coffee table and slowly turned to face him.
“Damn.” The word came out of Dean’s mouth on a sigh.
He set his bottle down as well and turned to her. In one smooth movement, he cupped her face with his hands. His lips were on hers almost before she had a chance to breathe.
His hands were cool and damp on her face, but his lips were hot and wet. Hot and wet and needy. They slid across her mouth, teasing her with his taste. His tongue followed the path, coaxing her lips apart. When he deepened the kiss, plunging into her mouth, she drank him in, her whimpers mixing with his moan.
Sarah combed her fingers through his hair, enjoying the way the silky strands slid along her skin. When it loosened from the ponytail, she spread it across his shoulders. She held his head in her hands, meeting each thrust of his tongue with an eager one of her own. She leaned closer, needing to touch him more, longing to feel his hands on her.
Waves of awareness ran along her skin, gathering into a pool of need within her. She was drowning in his kisses, but she needed more. She lowered her hands, skimming his neck, kneading his shoulders.
A crack of lightning lit up the sky and the deafening roll of thunder followed almost immediately. Dean broke away and leapt to his feet. He gasped for air. Odd, she still matched him breath for breath.
“I put clean sheets on Terry’s old bed,” he said, his voice ragged. “You can sleep there tonight.”
Of course, he wouldn’t want to talk about the kiss. Or the need. “Dean?”
He backed away from her. His eyes were still shadowed, his expression grim. “Go to bed, Sarah, before you cause any more trouble.”
She knew the new Sarah would stay and argue, would stick to her guns and say that he started the kiss to begin with and he caused his own damn trouble. But there was too much of the old Sarah in her and the thought of Dean pushing her away again hurt so badly that she simply turned and walked up the stairs without saying a word.

Join Sarah for The Ride of Her Life!

Natasha

Tomorrow she's in for The Ride of Her Life!

My contemporay romance THE RIDE OF HER LIFE will be available for download from Samhain Publishing tomorrow, November 6th!! This book is special to me and I'm so thrilled it found a home and that readers can take the ride with Sarah and Dean. Here's a little blurb to tempt you :

The day Dean Bastian walked into the bank was the day Sarah decided she was no longer going to be sensible.
But, to be honest, when it came to Dean, she’d never had a bit of sense. Seeing him again after all these years sent her right back to that gawky teenager who’d had a major crush on the bad boy next door.
Dean looked the same as she remembered, tall and dark in his black T-shirt and faded jeans. He crossed the lobby, his long legs covering the distance quickly. When she saw he was headed for her window, an unwanted thrill rippled across her skin. Her heart started beating faster and annoyance fought its way to the surface. She hated not being in control of her feelings.
There was enough she didn’t have control of these days. Like doctors and hospitals and test results.
He set his motorcycle helmet on the counter in front of him and flashed a cocky smile that turned her knees to jelly. Oh, great, she was going to melt into a puddle of goo right in front of him. His dark blue eyes were laced with mockery as he slowly ran his gaze over her.
“Sarah Austin, still sitting in your little cage, I see.”
She couldn’t stop from blushing, but she wanted to cringe as the heat spread up her neck and across her face. She gritted her teeth at the jibe and struggled to get back in control.
“Hello, Dean,” she said, working hard to keep her smile in place. “I understand you’re skipping town again.”
“Heading out on the Harley in the morning.”
The little jab of envy didn’t help her mood at all. What she wouldn’t give to be going somewhere, anywhere but where her life was headed right now.
Then she remembered why he was in Buffalo to begin with and regretted taking her bad mood out on him. “I’m real sorry about your dad.”
Dean nodded, the diamond stud in his ear winking at her. The cocky smile disappeared and his eyes shut down. She almost wished he was still teasing her. He didn’t say anything, but Sarah wasn’t surprised. She knew he and his father hadn’t gotten along.
“Is Terry still in town?” she asked.
“She flew back to Denver yesterday.” His face didn’t tell her anything. She hoped he and his sister had settled their differences.
“She stopped in the bank for a minute the other day and I saw some pictures of her family. Her boys are cute.”
“Yeah, they are.”
“She works in a doctor’s office?”
“Yeah.”
Sarah was running out of small talk. For two people who’d grown up in the same neighborhood, on the same street for goodness sake, they couldn’t have been more different. The annoying heart pounding didn’t help any. And neither did the sweaty palms she rubbed on her skirt. Twenty-six was too old to still suffer from hopeless crush symptoms.
She pushed away an old memory of him wiping away her tears. “What can I do for you this morning?”
He picked up the helmet and smoothly tucked it under his arm. “I need to sign a few more papers before I leave. Is Harry Larson busy?”
“I’ll check.” She picked up the interoffice telephone and called Harry, who told her to send Dean over. She pointed to the open office door across the lobby. “Go right in.”
He looked her over once more. Ripples of hot awareness followed his gaze and she prayed she wouldn’t blush again. “Good to see you, Sarah,” he said softly, then turned and walked away.
She watched him go with a sense of relief. Sarah knew exactly why he bothered her. It wasn’t the dangerous way he looked. He had always been sexy in a rough sort of way. She didn’t even mind the dark hair that fell past his shoulders. It went with that rebel look he projected so well and most likely contributed to that crush she had. Correction, used to have.
No, what aggravated her was more what Dean represented. Freedom she had never known. Never would know.

Tomorrow she's in for The Ride of Her Life!!

Natasha

First Review for The Ride of Her Life

Mrs. Giggles loves me!! The Ride of Her Life will be available for download on Tuesday, but I discovered the first review today! I'm so excited that my first review is a good one, she really got the story and the characters.

"...The Ride Of Her Life has a nice balance of heartfelt moments and scenes of careless exuberance of falling love. I'm actually quite sorry to see it end so soon."

If you'd like to read the whole review, check it out here!

So mark your calendar for November 6th for The Ride of Her Life!!

Natasha

What Do You Do With...

All the candy??? We moved to a new house this year, so we had no idea how many trick or treaters we would get. We didn’t go overboard on candy, but we only had a handful of kids. Now we have bags of chocolate left! Oh yeah, I could eat it all with no problem, but I SHOULDN’T, and my husband shouldn’t either.

So what do you do when you have leftover candy? Freeze it? Take it to work to share with co-workers who don’t need all that candy either? Throw it away? Aaack, okay, so that’s going waaaay overboard!

Any suggestions??

Natasha

Happy Halloween!

Today's post is at Passionate Prose. Stop by and talk about haunted houses :)

Natasha

NOTHING TO FEAR!!

Today my first release, an Ellora's Cave Tricks and Treats Quickie, NOTHING TO FEAR, is available for download!! After years of writing and submitting and finallllly selling, my first story is available for readers to enjoy!! I'm so excited!!!

Here's the blurb:
Mason Blake's dark good looks and domineering personality give Kelly Long all sorts of forbidden fantasies that frighten her. When she agrees to help out at the community Halloween haunted house, she never expects to be tied to a bed, playing damsel in distress to Mason’s masked, whip-wielding villain.

Kelly can’t run away from Mason this time. He knows she’s fighting her sexual needs and he hopes that a few hours of playing out her fantasies with him will prove to her that bondage - and Mason - are nothing to fear.

If you're interested in a short, sizzling story with a Halloween setting, check it out here!!

Natasha

Tomorrow there will be NOTHING TO FEAR!

Tomorrow is the release date for NOTHING TO FEAR! Here's a little exerpt to tease you...to tempt you...

The slam of the door echoed in the silence. Kelly turned around slowly and looked up into the deep, dark eyes staring at her out of the mask. Of course, it was Mason. Her hands shook as she clasped them together in front of her. Oh God, it was Mason.
He slid the mask off his head. His eyes were what had first attracted her to him, and they were still like melted dark chocolate. His head was shaved smooth as always, a dark shadowy hint of hair on his head and jaw. The diamond stud in his ear twinkled beneath the light from the chandelier.
“Hello, Kelly.” His deep voice was a touch amused. Well, she didn’t find anything amusing in the situation. He was the one man whose mere touch frightened her because it made her desire things she shouldn’t want. Made her crave things she didn’t understand. Just a glance from him made her weak in the knees and made her want to drop to her knees before him.
And right now the thought of being tied to that bed with Mason standing over her froze her to the spot at the end of the bed. She avoided his eye, but in doing so focused on the bed, the black velvet bedspread, the tall thick bedposts at each corner. Would he stretch her tight when he tied her to the bedposts? Or would he give her wiggle room? And the thought of her body wiggling beneath Mason’s heated gaze made her shiver. But was it from fear? Or excitement?
“You better get changed.”

You know you want to read more...

Natasha

Day After Tomorrow

NOTHING TO FEAR will be released by Ellora's Cave! When I saw the call for submissions for Halloween Quickies it sounded like a lot of fun. I thought about the haunted houses people spend days getting ready and then sell tickets to go through. What would happen, I wondered, if I put a couple in one of those upstairs bedrooms...and then kept interrupting them all night long as people went on tours?? Like I said...a lot of fun!

October 26th is the day after tomorrow!

Natasha

Haunted Houses

My October 26th release from Ellora's Cave, NOTHING TO FEAR, takes place in a community haunted house that raises money for the local food bank. Searching the internet for haunted house information, I ran across a fun website Halloween is Here. The interactive site takes you through a haunted house. At the end, you get an image to show you survived. Check it out if you like. Then on Friday, check out my Halloween Quickie and find out what Mason and Kelly do in the haunted house!

Natasha

Ellora's Cave's Tricks and Treats

Ellora's Cave is releasing a series of Quickies for Halloween called Tricks and Treats. My first release, NOTHING TO FEAR, is part of this series. Check out all the great Tricks and Treats releases here
But don't forget to stop back on Friday, October 26th, to pick up your very own copy of NOTHING TO FEAR!!

Natasha

Countdown to My First Release!

My very first release will be out in 6 days!! OMG! After years of writing and submitting, I'm finally going to have a story that I wrote available for people to read. The thought is so amazing!

Nothing to Fear is part of Ellora's Cave Halloween Quickies, Tricks and Treats. The cover is actually on the first Coming Soon page! Check it out!

Here's the blurb:

Mason Blake's dark good looks and
domineering personality give Kelly Long all
sorts of forbidden fantasies. But when she
agrees to play a damsel in distress for the
community Halloween haunted house, Kelly
finds herself tied to a bed and at Mason's mercy.

Mason knows Kelly is fighting her sexual needs
and he hopes that a few hours of playing out her
fantasies will prove to her that bondage - and
Mason - are nothing to fear.

I'm excited!! Or can't you tell?

Natasha

Dark Moments

Today's post is at Passionate Prose. Stop by and tell us what you like or don't like about those dark moments before the HEA.

Natasha

Obsidian Mirror by Tawny Taylor

Obsidian Mirror by Tawny Taylor
Cover art by Sahara Kelly
Genre(s): Paranormal, BDSM
Theme(s): Ménage, Witches, Wizards & Magic
Length: Novella
Price: $3.49

Once a year, for one magical night, they come. They take. They dominate. And then they return to their world behind the glass. Warriors from another dimension, seeking relief from their carnal hunger. But when the time is right, they must help their hostess accept her true mate, the one man who will heal her wounds and make her whole.

Skylar Morissey is perfectly content to have her once-a-year carnal visit from her dominant warriors. She can have twenty-four glorious hours of no-strings, kinky sex with not one but two gorgeous hunks. What girl wouldn't love that? Sure, there are those women who might like something more stable -- more grounded in the real world -- but not this girl, nope. She has her reasons for not getting into anything too complicated, very compelling ones. Until her very real neighbor, Trace Blackshaw, makes an unexpected appearance, and a few demands of his own.

Trace and Skylar share a dark past, one that has stained their souls and scarred their hearts. Skylar would rather forget. Trace cannot let it go. Nor will he let Skylar go, now that he’s found her.

In the end, it will be Skylar’s choice. Submission to the one man who shares a soul-deep bond with her, or hide from the pain and content herself with one night a year with two dominant lovers…from the obsidian mirror.

Read an EXCERPT
Click to BUY


Natasha

New Sale to Samhain!

I sold another contemporary romance to Samhain Publishing! Yay! The title is The Passion-Minded Professor. Here's the blurb:

Divorced waitress Roxy Morgan is struggling to get control of her life and pursue her dream of a college education, so the last thing she needs is to feel a strong magnetic pull toward absentminded professor, Dr. Daniel Jennings. A driven loner, Daniel has fallen hard for the sassy, outgoing Roxy, but can he risk losing her by admitting she’s under the influence of his new “love potion” and that neither of them have any control over the passion they’ve found in each other’s arms?

Stop by to find out more info as soon as I have it! In the meantime, The Ride of Her Life will be released by Samhain on November 6th. Only one month away!

Natasha

Another Cover!

I just got the cover for my Halloween Quickie! Nothing to Fear is part of Ellora's Cave's Tricks and Treats series. It will be released on October 26th and will be my very first release! I'm so excited. Doesn't this hunk look like a genie ready to grant my every wish???

Oh, genie...

Natasha

The Ride of Her Life Coming Soon!!

The Ride of Her Life is now on the Coming Soon page on the Samhain website :) Whoo Hoo! I'm so excited. November 6th will be here soon.

After a devastating diagnosis, a sensible bank
teller yearns to live life to the fullest. When
she talks her former teenage crush into a cross-
country trip on his Harley, she thinks it’s her
one chance for adventure. Can the former
rebel, now a counselor for troubled teens,
convince her that the rest of their life can be
an adventure...together?

The cover by Scott Carpenter is absolutely gorgeous! Don't you agree??

Natasha

It Doesn't Get Old

How is selling books like sex?? Check out my post today at Passionate Prose

Natasha

What a difference a year makes.

Today's my birthday. No, you don't get to ask which one. :) I took the day off from the ddj to get some writing done and do what I wanted to do. I got edits done this morning on my Caveman anthology story, Taste of Honey, part of Ellora's Cave Seasons of Seduction IV which will be out in December. Yay! I got a lot of writing done today on my current story which I'll be submitting for next year's Cavemen. Keep your fingers crossed they'll be open for something a little different :) I also got caught up on laundry (Okay, not what I'd like to do on my birthday but, trust me, it had to be done.)

I also thought back on the past year and what a lot has happened since my last birthday. Last year at this time I was still unpublished. I had several projects out at publishers, but I hadn't yet gotten any positive responses. It took a couple more weeks for me to get the first one from Samhain. The Ride of Her Life will be released as a download on November 6th! In the next few months, I got positive responses from Ellora's Cave and Red Sage, too. But last year on September 12th, I had no idea any of this was going to happen.

So who knows what will happen in the next 52 weeks?? It's kind of exciting to imagine what stories I might sell. What stories I might write! I can't wait.

Natasha

Doesn't Feel Like Monday

I love long weekends. And extra day away from the ddj and time to do what I want. We stayed at the campground, which we haven't done too much since we moved into the new house. We were able to visit with friends, drink lots of wine, eat lots of food, stay up late and sleep in. And I actually got my pre-edits done for Ellora's Cave and a partial ready to send to Red Sage.

Sounds like a perfect weekend to me. How did you spend your weekend?

Natasha

Visual Inspiration

Today's post is at Passionate Prose . Stop by and leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Natasha

Be Careful What You Wish For...

...it just might come true.

We've all heard the old adage, but it hit home for me this week.

After years of writing and submitting and receiving rejections, I've sold to three publishers in the past year. Whoo Hoo! And then what happens, but I end up having my first three releases scheduled for October, November and December!! How cool is that?

Well, those of you who are more experienced writers probably know what happened next. I finished up my edits for my October release from Ellora's Cave , NOTHING TO FEAR, a couple weeks ago and have been happily working on my next story for eRedSage. But then at the beginning of this week I got edits for my November release from Samhain, THE RIDE OF HER LIFE. And so while I'm in the middle of those, what do I find in my inbox a couple days ago? You guessed it. My edits for my December release for Ellora's Cave's Seasons of Seduction IV, TASTE OF HONEY! Yikes!

So while I'm working like crazy at my computer, I keep reminding myself: I wanted this!

Forgive me if I'm not around much the next week or so...

Natasha

Remember the Joy!

Another Monday Morning Inspiration.

I have a lot of notes tacked up on a bulletin board in front of my desk. Some of them, I admit, I've been bad about marking down where I first saw the inspirational words. One them is the note that says "Remember the Joy!" I dont' remember where I first saw it - but I often latch onto it on days when I'm struggling.

Sometimes we can get so bogged down with the day to day. So worried about the right way to do something, whether it's writing a love scene or plotting a big story or, some days, simply sitting down in front of the computer.

Remember what brought you to writing in the first place. For me, it's the joy of working with the words. Of seeing characters come alive that had previously been only ideas in my head. Of discovering a bigger, better story than the one I imagined as the words emerge from my fingertips. When I remember those things, then I can't wait to sit down at the keyboard. I can't wait to see what I'm going to write today. And the work doesn't seem so much like work.

Have a great week. Remember the joy!

Natasha

Two Releases by Portia Da Costa

SUITE SEVENTEEN - Portia Da Costa

Acting purely on instinct, I coil my arms around him. I can't believe this is happening and I can't believe what I'm doing. This new, different, impatient me takes the initiative and presses her tongue against his lips, demanding entrance.

He laughs, the sound deep and rough in his chest, and he admits me. Then a second later, it's like he throws a switch and he takes total control.

When vibrant, forty-something widow Annie Conroy espies her new neighbours Maria Lewis and Robert Stone having kinky sex in their back garden, she decides it’s time that she too woke up and smelt the erotic roses. And where better to begin her daring adventures than the luxurious Waverley Grange Country Hotel, and its hidden den of iniquity, the chintz-clad but wickedly pervy Suite Seventeen?

Under the stern but playful eye of exotic master Valentino, Annie quickly discovers the shocking hidden depths of her own sensuality, and surrenders herself body and soul to his outrageous games of power. But when the Waverley’s entire future hangs in the balance, and Annie has the means to help save it, dare she gamble on going one step further… and giving her heart to the mysterious man who’s come to control her?

"...this deliciously seductive story... is hard to put down" ~ Romantic Times, Four and a Half Stars, Sept 07

'Suite Seventeen contains all Portia's trademark treats from the arousing narrative, a wicked blend of deviant episodes, and an undercurrent of pragmatic and poignant romance.' ~ Ashley Lister, Erotica Readers and Writers Association

'I am grinning from ear to ear having savoured every last dripping word...' ~ Ann, poet and blogger

'a cheeky and very lovely read' ~ Madelynne Ellis, bestselling author of A Gentleman's Wager

ISBN 0352341092

Published by Black Lace in June 2007 [UK] and August 2007 [US]

Read an excerpt at PortiaDaCosta.com [NB. excerpt is NC17 and suitable for adults only.]

Suite Seventeen is available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

WILD IN THE COUNTRY - Portia Da CostaPublished by TOTAL-E-BOUND - a contemporary super length novel

Available from 6th August 2007

Blurb

There's something in the air...

Flora Swain is a newcomer to the village of Marwick Magna, renowned for the inspiration it provides to painters and poets. Impetuous and strong-minded, Flora is no artist – yet. But there are creative urges within her, she is convinced, and she has come to the country to give them life.

The strange thing is that Flora’s urges turn out to be almost entirely sensual. Is it the undoubted physical allure of her new neighbour, Declan McKenna, that’s driving her wild? Or the explicitly sexual messages which appear daily in her post? Or could it be that country life has revealed to her an insatiable, highly erotic new self?

Read an Excerpt

Available now from TOTAL-E-BOUND

Life Gets in the Way

So I took the day off from the ddj, hoping to enjoy the summer day and get some writing done. Then last night DH was up most of the night with a bad cough and trouble breathing. Scary stuff. So, of course, I was up most of the night too. He had pneumonia back in February and when I took him to the Dr. today, he said it looks like a relapse. So he's back on antibiotics and the Dr. recommended a pneumonia vaccine.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm glad I was home so I could go to the Dr. with him. Hubby felt so bad that he interfered with my plans...like it was his fault he couldn't take in a deep breath and thought he was going to die.

I did get some writing done eventually. Quite a lot actually. I just wanted to explain why I didn't post here until 9:30 in the evening. But I did get it in! I'm still in the challenge!

I'm going to bed.

Natasha

Is it Just Me?

I often go to one of the local restaurants on my lunch break from the ddj. I like to get out of the place for a while and find a quiet place to write. Yesterday I was at my usual table, tucked back in a corner, papers spread out on the table, editing with my black gel roller pen. There were empty tables stretched out along the whole wall.

So these two guys come in (not even cute guys that I could use for inspiration!) carrying trays full of food and where do they decide to sit????? With a room full of empty tables? They sit down at the table next to mine and start talking loudly about roast beef and football and lumber! Aargh! Couldn't they see I was working?

Now, I don't need total quiet to write. I live with two guys who love to have the TV going or music playing - sometimes both at the same time, and I've learned to tune it out. But am I the only person who will pick an empty table away from other people if I have a choice? Or am I just totally antisocial?

Natasha

When is a House a Home?

We recently moved from an apartment to a house. I hate moving, but I love my new house, with its richly painted walls and tiny view of the lake through the trees (okay, so I wish it was an enormous view of the lake!) And I have my own office with that lake view. The boxes are unpacked for the most part (the ones up in the attic may be there for a while.) A few days ago I thought, this place feels like home.

But what is it that makes a house a home? Your home? I know, you're going to say the people in it, but I'm talking about the house itself. As we were going through this move, I figured it out, at least for me. It's the pictures - the paintings and photographs that hang on the walls.

When we got ready to move from the apartment, one night we decided to take all the pictures off the walls and pack them. After all, they're not like clothes or dishes we were going to use over the next few days. And after we were done, I looked around at the blank walls and the place didn't look like home anymore. It was a sterile, impersonal place.

We've rearranged the pictures a few times (along with the furniture) and our house now looks and feels like home. Our home.

What makes a house a home to you?

Natasha

Release Date!

My editor at Ellora's Cave e-mailed me yesterday. Nothing to Fear will be released on Oct 26! That's only a little over 2 months away! Squee! It will be part of their Halloween Quickie series "Trick or Treat". Here's a blurb to tempt you:

Mason Blake's dark good looks and domineering personality give Kelly Long all sorts of forbidden fantasies that frighten her. When she agrees to help out at the community Halloween haunted house, she never expects to be tied to a bed, playing damsel in distress to Mason’s masked, whip-wielding villain.

Kelly can’t run away from Mason this time. He knows she’s fighting her sexual needs and he hopes that a few hours of playing out her fantasies with him will prove to her that bondage - and Mason - are nothing to fear.

So mark it on your calendar. Oct 26, 2007. Nothing to Fear. Ellora's Cave.

Natasha

Monday Morning Inspiration

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals."
Unknown

Think about it. If we knew how many obstacles there were to selling a book...or whatever your goal is....how many of us might quit before we ever gave it a chance? Goal setting is such an important part of reaching for our dreams. Set small goals: So many pages a day. Write one kick-ass query letter. Take an hour and research agents. Whatever you can do today to get closer to reaching your goal.

Don't think about the thousands of other writers trying to get published. Don't think about the small percentage of manuscripts that get accepted. Keep at it. The longer you write, the better you'll become. The more you'll learn. Keep your eye on the goal. And for heaven's sake, make sure you enjoy the journey, or what's the point?

And then when you reach that goal - make a new one. :)

Natasha
P.S. I'm participating in the Great Blogger Challenge with several other Romance Divas so check back often!

Where...When...Why...

Today's post is as Passionate Prose.

Stop by and tell us where and when you like your romances.

Natasha

eRed Sage is Live!

Check it out at www.eRedSage.com

Right now previous Secrets Anthologies are available for download. Starting in October, new sexy stories will be available as well.

Check back here or at my website for when my paranormal erotic romance, Quinn's Curse, will be released. I'll let you all know as soon as I do!

For now, check out the great erotic romances in the Secrets volumes.

Natasha

Two New Sales!

Good news to report. In the last few weeks I've sold two new stories!

QUINN'S CURSE, my first (and so far only) erotic paranormal romance, will be released by eRed Sage, the new e-publishing venture of Red Sage Publishing. The website should go live soon. I'm excited to see it!

NOTHING TO FEAR was accepted by Ellora's Cave as part of their Halloween-themed Quickies, Trick or Treat. I'm excited to be a part of this as well!

Check out my website for the blurbs, and I'll update it as soon as I have more definite release dates and covers.

Summer is going so fast. Fall, and with it my first releases, will be coming fast!

Natasha

Moving is No Fun

After weeks of packing and tossing and lifting and moving, we're finally in our new house. The furniture is where I want it to be...for the most part. Almost all the boxes are emptied. We're starting to put the pictures up on the wall - the part that makes the house finally feel like home. When we started packing up our things in the apartment, the first thing we did was take down the pictures (we didn't need to eat, wear, or sleep on them for the next couple weeks) but the place didn't look like home after that.

Soon, I hope to be back in a routine, writing and posting and looking forward to my first releases this fall. Stop back around for exciting things happening in the next few months.

Natasha

Conest at Passionate Prose!

Nancy Lindquist is holding a contest today at the Passionate Prose blog. Stop by and leave a comment and your e-mail addy and you'll have a chance at winning a free copy of one of her recent releases.

I'm heading over there right now!

Natasha

The "S" Word

Today's post is at Passionate Prose. Stop by and tell me your favorite "S" word.

Natasha

Eye of Desire by Portia Da Costa

Love at first sight?

When Megan takes a summer holiday at a country cottage in order to recover from an eye operation, she doesn't expect to encounter a strong, protective stranger in her garden. Even though she can't see him properly, she can still tell that Guy is powerful, charismatic and sexy. Instinctively and instantly attracted to him, can she trust her new friend to bestow some sweet hands-on sensual healing?

This story was a quick, steamy little read, and I enjoyed it! Megan's voice is quirky and realistic-I enjoyed being inside her head, experiencing her confusion and increasingly lustful desires. ~ Rhonda Stapleton, Romance Divas Reviews

Read an excerpt

Click here to buy from Phaze.com now!!!

Natasha

Release Dates!!

I know, I've been really bad about blogging. Life has been incredibly busy lately and while that's no excuse, if I only have time to deal with life and get some pages done...the blog is going to fall by the wayside. Am trying to come up with a schedule that will allow me to do it all.

Is that even possible??

I did get some great news - UP TO NO GOOD will be part of Red Sage Secrets Volume 24 which will be released in July 08. BAD TO THE BONE will be part of Secrets Volume 25 released in Dec 08! I'll post covers as soon as I have them!

I'm excited - can you tell???

Natasha

When Life Gets in the Way

Today's post is at Passionate Prose. Stop on by!

Natasha

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's my wish for a great day to all you mothers out there!

Natasha

Tessa Tagged Me!

Here are the rules:

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

OK - 8 Random Facts/Habits About Me:

1. Like Tessa, I love the beach - this is me on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

2. I won't be making my annual trip to the Outer Banks this May because my daughter's getting married - so I'm totally envious of Tessa, but looking forward to my daughter's big day.

3. I used to sing in a women's barbershop chorus - I was even in a barbershop quartet!

4. I love to sit around a campfire - especially if s'mores are involved.

5. I love lighthouses - a major attraction (besides the beaches) of the Outer Banks.

6. I love to drive my Sebring convertible - now if it would just get warm enough to put the top down!

7. I enjoy a glass of White Zinfandel in the evening.

8. Right now I'm reading Tawny Weber's debut Blaze - Double Dare.

Tagging: Anna , Angelle , Kat , Gail , Nicole , Nancy , Ciar , Bianca

I heard the BEST news today! My friend Gemma Halliday's double RITA nominated novel, Spying in High Heels, is in development for a television series on the USA Network!!! It’s currently one of five new shows being developed for their fall 2007/2008 season.Spying in High Heels follows shoe designer Maddie Springer, who in an effort to track down her missing boyfriend, realizes that her knack for fashion also serves another purpose: it makes her a great detective. Maddie's uniquely female perspective helps her pick up clues, using her designer's eye to discern tell tale shapes, colors and patterns, among other things. Along with her best friend Dana, an out-of-work actress, Maddie decides to open a detective agency operating out of her stepfather's hair salon.Not all shows in development make it to the air, but this one should! If you want to see Maddie and Ramirez on the small screen, write to the USA Network and tell them you heard about SPYING IN HIGH HEELS and can’t wait to watch it. Or, if you’ve read the book and liked it, tell them that, too! Contact the programming department at the USA Network:feedback@usanetwork.comIn the meantime, read up on Gemma's books, including Undercover in High Heels & Killer in High Heels.

Life Happens

Last Tuesday morning, I was getting ready for work when fire trucks roared up to our aparment building. No sirens, but lots of firemen clomping up the stairs to one of the upstairs apartments. Enough to make me curious, but no smell of smoke and no pounding on the door to tell me to get the hell out. So I got ready for work and stopped to talk to a couple of firemen on my way out. Turns out a water pipe broke in the upstairs apartment. They assured me that I didn't have to worry about our apartment when I went to work...

Sooo...when I get home from work I find three huge industrial size fans and a dehumidifier roaring in the apartment. The sound was deafening. All six apartments on our side of the building suffered various levels of water damage. We were lucky that none of our belongings were damaged, it was water in the walls and carpets.

So my husband and I ended up having to find someplace else to stay for the next few nights. The din from all the fans meant we couldn't even talk to each other, much less be able to sleep. We stayed with our daughter the first night, then opened our RV and stayed at camp the rest of the week. So plans change in the blink of an eye, distractions mess with creativity and word counts. Life happens.

The fans are gone today. Yay!!!

No more excuses. Back to writing.

Natasha

What does your hero wear??

Today's post is at a new blog by a group of Samhain authors of erotic romance, PASSIONATE PROSE. Check it out at : http://www.romancelovers.net/blog/

Love to hear from you there!

Natasha

Immorati by MK Manos

Immorati by MK Mancos is now available for download from Triskelion Publishing. purchase here

Blurb: When the corpse of an unidentified species is found in the woods near Pine Haven, New Jersey along with a human female, anthropologist Edie Campbell is called in by local law enforcement and the medical examiner to help identify the strange humanoid male. The discovery of a heretofore unknown species is thrilling for Edie, up until she realizes the creature has recently mated with the human female. Questions form with no apparent answers until Aidan LaMont arrives in Pine Haven to identify his cousin’s body. But the secretive Aidan hides as much of the mystery surrounding the strange creature as he explains. And Edie has no doubt that behind his simmering sexuality, and amber eyes, he knows much more than he’s willing to tell.

Check it out!

Natasha

Bad to the Bone sold to Red Sage!!

OMG! My second sale to Red Sage in a week! I'm so excited. After writing for over ten years, to finally get acceptance is a thrill beyond belief! I think I've finally found my niche. I love writing romance that sizzles and I'm so glad some of these stories have found a home.

Check back for release info on all my stories as they become available.

Natasha

LUSH by Sasha White

LUSH

Kensington Aphrodisia

single author anthology

ISBN-10: 0758215487

ISBN-13: 9780758215482

Genre: Contemporary

Release Date: March 27, 2007

Buy Link:http://www.amazon.com/Lush-Sasha-White/dp/...ie=UTF8&s=books

B&N has the READ A CHAPTER for LUSH up.. it gives you a good sneak peek at the carpenter. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearc...nly=CHP&z=y#CHP

A gallery showcasing erotic art is the setting for these three sensual stories. A take charge gallery owner finds the tables turned by a sexy carpenter…A relationship-shy jewelry designer meets her match in a man devoted to her pleasure…A beautiful massage therapist shows a photographer how much fun candid shots can be…In three scorching tales, Sasha White reveals the art of pure pleasure.

Three unique stories that all have something in common, realism that tugs at the heartstrings. Ms. White has done it yet again, telling each story beautifully while weaving in the perfect mixture of hope and eroticism. Destined to be one of the greats, Ms. White's use of language and emotion captivates the reader and doesn't let them go until they are spent and satisfied...Kudos for Sasha White, she is definitely an author you want to keep an eye on." 5 Kisses Shawn Monique, Romance Divas

The pleasure is all yours if you're ready to let your fantasies take control and surrender yourself to desire…

The Principles of Lust - Sleek and sexy erotic art gallery owner Teal Jamison knows what she likes and isn't afraid to let carpenter Zack Dillon know that her current fantasy features him in all his masculine glory. But Zack has a deliciously different game in mind for a woman accustomed to taking charge…

Passion Play - Quick to follow where passion leads, then back off when things get too close, jewelry designer Mia Jones’s sensual odyssey with singles columnist Dominick Jamison is perfect: hot, sweet, and with no risk of complications. But how long can her heart stay cold--when she’s lost in the heat of a man devoted to every forbidden pleasure her body craves?

Sexual Healing - When massage therapist Caitlyn Ellis shows photographer Jack Lowell the joys of sensual self love for the camera, he can’t resist the erotic invitation to take pleasure in her lush curves--or deny himself the hands-on ecstasy of loving a beautiful woman determined to heal his battered soul…by setting his body on fire.

"Sasha White’s stories are molten lava all wrapped up in spun silk. Richly emotional and highly passionate, these erotic stories take the reader on a sensuous journey inside the bedroom and out. These sexually explosive novellas will undoubtedly leave you breathless and begging for more. Sasha White continues to have a spot on my keeper shelf." -Cathryn Fox, author of Pleasure Control

Please check out the erotic LUSH GALLERY on Sasha's website. http://www.sashawhite.net/lush-gallery

Check it out.

Natasha

Up to No Good sold to Red Sage!!

Wow, my third sale to my third publisher! Up to No Good was a finalist in the From the Heart Chapter's Wallflower contest. Instead of the first chapter, we had to submit the Black Moment scene. From what I heard, the final judges loved the chance to read something other than another beginning scene. Felecia Mills at Red Sage Publishing was one of the final judges and she loved my entry enough to request the full manuscript! And this week I got the e-mail offering me a contract! I've wanted to be a Red Sage author for a long time. Their quality and reputation as an erotic romance publisher is excellent! Up to No Good will be a novella in an upcoming Secrets anthology! Did I say Wow??

Natasha

LEAP OF FATE by Antonia Pearce

LEAP OF FATE by Antonia Pearce

Love, Fate and Death. Three powerful forces that rule the universe. But are they really mutually exclusive?Available at Cobblestone-Press, LLCWhat would you do with twenty-four more hours with the lost love of your life? Merryn Porter finds out when a freak accident kills her as she saves her best friends on their wedding day. Unaware she’s dead, she’s also forgotten the bride’s brother died ten years earlier. She does remember he broke her heart.Luke Hanson has been waiting in limbo to atone for rejecting his beloved Merryn and Fate cuts him a deal: twenty-four hours to make up for her suffering. If he succeeds, she gets another shot at life. A miracle really, but everything has a price…

Natasha

Fireworks by Loribelle Hunt

Fireworks

Genre: Contemporary RomanceISBN: 1-59998-493-8Length: Short StoryPrice: 2.50Publication Date: March 13, 2007

Can Shane convince Jessie he’s the only man for her before her stalker attempts to end both their lives?Jessalyn Banks is a respected gallery owner in a small coastal Florida town. She isn’t looking to make any major changes in her life, but events collide in a way that takes that option away from her. A stalker enters her life, and she has no choice but to notify the town’s police chief, Shane Moore.Shane has been trying to maneuver his way into Jessie’s life for a year. Getting added to her Fourth of July planning committee is a brilliant move. Convincing her they belong together is much harder to accomplish. When her mysterious stalker escalates his activities and another woman is badly injured, events spin out of his control. Does Shane have the time to convince Jessie he’s the only man for her before the stalker makes his move?

link to book http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/fireworks

Natasha

Thinking Outside the Box

Another Monday Inspiration...

"Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to be always part of unanimity." ~ Christopher Morley


Isn’t that an exciting quote? For me, it’s a reminder to think outside the box. To stand out in the crowd of other writers. To write the stories only you can write.

We all know there’s a fine line between writing something too safe and writing something too different. Only you can decide. If it’s a story you have to write, do it. No one else can tell that story. If you don’t, the world will never have it. And that’s a sad thought.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. I finished the first draft of my current wip on Saturday and had planned to print it out and start editing on Sunday. But Sunday morning a completely new idea burst into my brain - in first person present tense yet - and I wrote all afternoon in a style I'd never attempted before. It was great. It was new.

It felt awesome.

Now let's hope that exciting feeling continues through the rest of the story.

Have a great week.

Natasha

Compulsion by Cassandra Curtis

Compulsion by Cassandra Curtis

ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-003-9 (Electronic)

Lindsay Dannon has a dirty little secret. While she hides behind her plain and proper image at work, a wanton woman with a rich fantasy life lurks beneath the surface. The thrill of sex in public places, and the risk of exposure, is a compulsive itch she knows only one man can scratch—her boss, Jack Randolph.The company's "no tolerance" policy on interoffice dating is the only thing stopping her. Good thing Jack created the rules, because he's determined to make all of Lindsay's sexual fantasies come true...

Genres: Contemporary / Exhibitionism / Public PlacesHeat Level: 2Length: Extended Amber Kiss (11k words)Part of the Amber Heat Risk PAX

For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, go to:http://www.amberquill.com/AmberHeat/Compulsion.html

Natasha

IS IT SPRING YET?

Yeah. Yeah. I know it’s only March 8th, but I’m really getting tired of winter. Tired of the snow and cold and being cooped up inside. The thermometer said minus 1 degree F this morning. The calendar may say it’s less than two weeks until spring, but here in western NY State, spring doesn’t even start until the middle of April. It’s only March 8th and I’m sick and tired of winter.

Bundling up in heavy coats and boots and gloves and scarves before you open the door. Air so cold it takes your breath away the minute you step outside. Brushing and scraping off the car every damn morning. Piles of snow plowed so high you can’t see if any cars are coming until you pull out into the street. Winds blowing the snow so hard you can’t see the car in front of you.

And all those cute sweaters I couldn’t wait to start wearing last fall? I’m sick to death of them too!

Now those of you who are into snowmobiling and skiing and the like are most likely loving this weather, but I don’t care. I like bicycling and camping and walking.

I want to throw open the windows and let in warm air and sunshine. I want to wear lightweight short sleeve tops and feel that warm air and sunshine on my skin. I want to jump into my car and take off without having to warm it up for ten minutes and clean off all the snow and ice first. I want to put the top down on my Sebring and feel the breeze blow through my hair. I want to sit out on my deck to read and write and drink my glass of White Zin.

Aaaaaargh!!!

I feel better now…

Natasha

The VISIONS OF HEAT meme

1. Which psychic power would you most like to possess?
Reading Minds - it's so hard to know what other people are thinking...


2. If you could see the future, what would you like to see?

World Peace...seriously, although that's become a bit of a joke (Miss Congeniatlity anyone?) wouldn't it be awesome??


3. Imagine you woke up one day and could shapeshift - what would you shift into?

Ooh, a sleek, beautiful cat


4. What kind of a paranormal creature would you invite over for dinner if there were no limits on who you could ask?

A fairy - so I could learn about a different world.

5. Which future innovation do you wish would hurry up and get here already? i.e. flying cars, a transporter, computers with artificial intelligence, an auto chef?

A transporter - I love visiting new places, but the traffic...




This meme was begun by Nalini Singh to get the word out about her next book, Visions of Heat [http://www.nalinisingh.com/visions] (releasing March 6). Want to play, too, and enter to win a $50 Amazon voucher plus an ARC? Click here [http://nalinisingh.blogspot.com/2007/02/visions-of-heat-meme.html] for details.



I love Nalini, and I absolutely loved her first book in this series, SLAVE TO SENSATION. I'm so looking forward to reading VISIONS OF HEAT. It releases tomorrow - Yay!!

Natasha

This weekend was not what we expected!

I don't know about you, but if my husband says he needs to get to the emergency room, I know that it's bad. He'd been up most of the night coughing and was starting to have trouble breathing. He was admitted to the hospital Saturday morning with double pneumonia.

Just Friday night, we'd been talking about our plans for the weekend, shopping and laundry and finishing the first draft of my latest wip. It sure wasn't to spend all Saturday morning in the emergency room and to still be in the hospital Sunday afternoon. He's been on IV antibiotics and having breathing treatments, and is much better than he was earlier. Hopefully, I'll be able to take him home on Monday.

Gotta love laptop computers. Today I'm sitting by his side, checking my e-mails via the hospital's free wireless access, posting this to my blog, and writing on my wip, even if I'm not able to get the first draft done.

Life, like writing, is a roller coaster ride. Ups and downs and rolling with what comes our way. Hopefully tomorrow it will be from home.

Natasha

BREAKING SKYE by Eden Bradley

BREAKING SKYE, Eden Bradley's newest e-book is available now from the Phaze Fetish line!

Skye Ballard has always wanted to experience her fantasies of sexual submission. She craves to be commanded, taken over. She is convinced that all it will take to purge this yearning from her system is one night. Skye searches out the perfect Dominant for the job-it must be a man who is powerful, attractive, and naturally dominant. But when she meets Adam Dunne, she finds a man beyond her wildest dreams.Adam convinces her one night will not be enough for what he sees as a process, rather than a single experience. Skye soon discovers that being with him only makes her crave more. And while he begins with the idea of training her to be the perfect submissive—for someone else—soon all he can think of is making her his, making her yield. All he can think of is breaking Skye—and keeping her for himself.

Buy this book now at www.Phaze.comDirect link: http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Breaking+Skye+by+Eden+Bradley

Natasha

Free Story for Valentine's Day

Romance Divas is an awesome forum of information and support for romance writers. A number of members have banded together to write a story of their heart and share it with the world for free. We call it the Romance Divas E-book Challenge.

My story THE BOY NEXT DOOR is a contemporary story I hope you will love. It is a sweet romance, so those of you who don't care for as much sizzle, feel free to check it out. And those of you who love sizzle, I hope you'll love Kim and John's story too.

The story can be found on my website. Click on the link below and enjoy!

http://www.natashamoore.com/services.html

And there's more!! You can check out more stories from talented Romance Divas. For more exciting FREE READS go to http://romancedivas.com/ebookchallenge.html for a complete listing"

Natasha

Remember the Joy

Another Monday Inspiration.

This paper on my bulletin board has only three words on it "Remember the Joy!" I've forgotten who said this to me once, when I was worrying about all the things you learn to worry about once you start learning about writing, but I had to write it down and post it where I can see it every day.

Remember when you loved to write just for the sake of the story? Before you knew about POV? Before you'd ever heard about GMC or character arcs or scene and sequel? Back when you loved to sit down and write your stories just to see your characters come alive on the page?

Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in all the mechanics of writing, that we forget the joy that comes from the words, the characters, the story. It's so easy to agonize over the three-act structure, the hero's journey, and all those other tools we've be given to tell our story that we forget the joy in telling the story itself. And as we worry about all these external things, our writing falls flat. The spark is gone.

And then there's the submission process, the queries, synopsis writing, the agent search. I could go on and on. No wonder we can forget the joy we felt when we realized we were writers. The joy when the words we put to paper told the story in our heart.

When you sit down to write today, remember the joy that brought you to write down your stories to begin with. Because if we can't feel the joy, what's the point in the writing??

Natasha

HOW READING ROMANCE CAN SUPPORT A WORTHY CAUSE...

Did you know that 95% of abuse victims are women? Every year four million women are assaulted by their spouses or partners. Freya's Bower Publishing is hoping to do a small part to break the cycle of abuse.On February 1, DREAMS & DESIRES: A COLLECTION OF ROMANCE AND EROTIC TALES will be available. This anthology features short stories in a variety of romance subgenres from 19 talented authors. The stories range from sweet to sizzling.Not only did the authors contribute their stories to this anthology, but all the editing and cover art were also donated. All net proceeds - that's 100% of the profit - from the sales of the anthology will go directly to a battered women's shelter in Florida. There have been other anthologies published for charity in the past, but most of those have only donated a portion of their profits. With DREAMS & DESIRES, every penny of profit goes to help women and children in dire circumstances.Please help make a difference by purchasing a copy of DREAMS & DESIRES. As an added bonus to contributing to such a worthy cause, you'll be rewarded with 19 great short stories by some of today's rising authors.

"The Forest for the Trees" by Jenna Bayley-Burke (sweet; contemporary)

"Song Without Words" by Faith Bicknell-Brown (sweet; contemporary)

"Love @ First Site" by Amanda Brice (sweet; chick lit)

"The Christmas Prize" by Sela Carsen (sweet; contemporary)

"Romance for One" by Rachelle Chase (spicy; chick lit)

"Confessions of a Bombshell Bandit" by Gemma Halliday (sweet; chick lit)

"The Velvet Mask" by Candace Havens (sweet; contemporary)

"Road of Misgivings" by Zinnia Hope (sweet; contemporary)

"To the Core" by Jackie Kessler (tangy; paranormal)

"Taking the Alleys" by Susan Lyons (sweet; contemporary)

"Brushstrokes" by Richelle Mead (spicy; historical paranormal)

"Red's Merry Mischief" by Debbie Mumford (tangy; fantasy)

"Baring It All For Mr. Right" by Rhonda Stapleton (sweet; chick lit)

"The Wedding Policy" by Bebe Thomas (sweet; historical)

"Blood and Feathers" by Emily Veinglory (sizzling; M/M paranormal)

"The Mirror" by Sasha White (sizzling; contemporary)

"The Reluctant Bridesmaid" by Lois Winston (sweet; chick lit)

"The Forge: Jezren Dark Sky" by Shaunna Wolf (tangy; sci-fi)

"Secret Valentines" by Kit Wylde (sweet; contemporary)

DREAMS & DESIRES is available as an eBook for $7.99 (ISBN: 1-934069-36- 1), a paperback (ISBN: 1-934069-22- 1) for $19.95, and a hard cover (ISBN:1-934069- 23-X) for $29.95. The paperback and hardcover are available fromBarnes & Noble online. The books and the eBook are also available through Freya's Bower atwww.freyasbower. com. The book is also being sold at Borders anddistributed by Ingrams. If your local bookstore doesn't have it, they'll beable to order it for you. Just give them the title and the ISBN number.

Here's the link where D and D can be purchased: http://www.freyasbower.com/content/view/132/77/

Together, we CAN make a difference!

Natasha

New Hair Do

I got my hair cut today. Nothing drastic. Nothing too short - it's freezing here in the Northeast! But I debated for weeks beforehand, trying to decide what to do with my hair. I've worn it the same way for several years and I was ready for something new. But the old style looked good and was easy to take care of...so did I really want to change??

Have you ever seen those women who you can pinpoint the year they graduated from high school because they're still wearing the beehive or the flip or the long, straight do? At least, I've changed my hair since high school. Hopefully, no one can pin point my age quite that easily :)

How about you? Do you keep the same hair cut for years and years? If so, is it because it's easy? Just because you like it? Because you're afraid you won't like something and it will be too late when all that hair's lying on the tile floor?

Or do you change all the time? The cut. The color. If so, is it because you can't find the perfect cut? Just because you like a change?

I did change my hair style. I think I like it. We'll see in the morning after I get out of the shower and see if I can make it look like my hairstylist did. Somehow I never can get it to look exactly the same. Do you have that problem too?

Natasha

New Short Releases by Jenna Bayley-Burke

If you know something only in your dreams, should you dare try and make it happen? Even if it means starting over and risking the disapproval of your family? Vanessa and Nick are searching for a sign that their dreams might come true. Vanessa only hopes she can find her dream ring…Rachel and Evan Hansen are getting a taste of their own medicine. As teenagers they ran away and eloped, and now their daughter wants to follow in their footsteps. Looking back, Rachel and Evan wonder what would have been if they'd listened to the warnings instead of trusting their hearts.

Monday Morning Inspiration

"What's talked about is a dream.
What's envisioned is exciting.
What's planned becomes possible.
What's scheduled is real."
-Anthony Robbins

Dreams are a dime a dozen. Don’t get me wrong, dreams are important (I have another saying on my wall that says “Nothing happens without a dream” but that’s another post.) We can dream all we want, but until we take definite steps toward making that dream come true, it will never become reality.

This really ties in with last week’s post, doesn’t it? Specific goal setting. Can you tell this is important to me? You have to do the work. Not all at once. Not more than you can handle at one time. But day by day. Page by page. Word by word.

So dream your dreams. Envision them coming true. Plan how to get there. Schedule the work.

Then DO the work.

Natasha

New Book by Ember Sinclair

Up In Flames by Ember Sinclair

Available January 12, 2007from CobbleStone Press

www.embersinclair.com

BlurbKat Ashbrook has two things on her mind—catching a murderer and sexy new boss, Connor Mercer. She never expected his come-hither looks, but she’s betting she can resist if she keeps her mind on the job. Too bad a prank leads to her surrender and possibly their deaths.

Natasha

Monday Inspiration

As we look forward to 2007, our goals can seem overwhelming. We need our dreams and our goals to aim for, but how do we get there without feeling it’s like that unreachable star? Writing an 80K novel can seem daunting. Even finishing a short story can seem impossible with everything else going on in our lives.

I attended a workshop given by Barbara Samuel this fall and during her goal-setting workshop, this quote really struck home with me. “What can I do TODAY to help me reach my goal?” Yes, today. Just think about today.

Even as we look at where we want to be 5 years from now, or at the end of 2007, we can break down our goals into bite-sized pieces. 500 words. A single page. Reading a chapter in a writing book. That’s something we can do today.

So…”What can I do TODAY to help me reach my goal?” I’m writing a thousand words. How about you??

Natasha

PS. Check back every Monday for more inspiration quotes